An Affiliate of San Diego Regional Chamber

LEAD San Diego FAQs

Where is LEAD San Diego located?

LEAD is located at 402 West Broadway, Suite 1000, San Diego, CA 92101.

What is the purpose of LEAD San Diego?

By educating, inspiring, and connecting people through its high caliber programming, LEAD San Diego creates a pipeline of developed leaders who elevate themselves and their organizations, and positively transform the San Diego region.

Impact is LEAD’s flagship program. Click here to learn more about Impact San Diego.

Who is eligible to apply for Impact?

Anyone may apply for Impact, but the ideal candidates are mid- to senior-level managers who are interested in strengthening their personal leadership skills and taking more active roles in the community.

What is the tuition for Impact San Diego?

Impact tuition is $3,950. Members of San Diego Regional Chamber receive a $395 discount on program tuition.

Is tuition assistance available for Impact San Diego?

Based on evidence of demonstrated need, a limited amount of partial scholarships ranging from $100 to $1,000 may be available. Contact LEAD San Diego for more information.

How long is the Impact program?

Impact is a 10-month program. There are nine monthly seminars, each one full day from September to May. Impact culminates with a graduation and project showcase event in June.

What criteria will be used to select participants for Impact?

Participants will be selected from individuals who submit completed applications and participate in a personal interview. LEAD San Diego’s Selection Committee seeks to identify those most likely to commit to creating significant, meaningful change in the region. The committee selects a group of approximately 55-57 participants annually, with emphasis on broad representation from occupational, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as geographic areas and community interests.

Influence is designed specifically for C-level and senior executives from medium-sized to large organizations.

What is the tuition for Influence?

Influence tuition is $2,950; San Diego Regional Chamber members receive a $295 discount on tuition.

How long is the program?

This crash course on San Diego’s business and civic landscape spans three full days every spring.

What criteria will be used to select candidates for this program?

Candidates must be C-level or senior executives, optimally from mid-sized to large organizations. Influence is especially helpful for (but not limited to) executives who are new to the San Diego region, or new to their position.

The ideal candidates for Advance are top performing women with at least five years of professional experience and the drive to take their careers to the highest levels.

What is the tuition for Advance?

Tuition for Advance is $950; San Diego Regional Chamber members receive a $200 discount on tuition.

How long is the program?

The Advance program spans seven months, with one meeting each month from 12 to 5 pm, May through November.

What criteria will be used to select participants for Advance?

Participants will be selected based on experience, experience in leadership positions, commitment to professional development, and investment in community. The class is seeded to represent a diverse mix of industries and organizations, as well as diversity of experience and ethnicity.

Public Leadership Institute is designed specifically for business people who are interested in either elected or appointed public office.

What is the cost of Public Leadership Institute?

Public Leadership Institute participants must commit to raise a minimum of $500 for LEAD San Diego.

How long is the program?

Public Leadership Institute consists of six meetings from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm once each month from February through July.

What criteria will be used to select candidates for this program?

Candidates must have an interest in pursuing political office or an appointment to a board or commission; show evidence of leadership experience with a business background; have the ability and desire to build effective networks; and a commitment to full participation and attendance requirements of the program.

How many participants are accepted in the program?

Each year’s Public Leadership Institute is kept to a maximum of 30 participants.

SDYL applicants must be 21 to 40-year-old professionals who are emerging leaders in their field, with a commitment to community involvement and professional growth.

What is the cost of membership in SDYL?

Annual dues for participation in SDYL are $150 for students & nonprofit employees; $200 for government employees; $250 for employees of Chamber members; and $350 for employees of non-Chamber member organizations.

How are SDYL members selected?

Candidates must submit an application for membership in SDYL. Applications will be reviewed by designated members of the board and LEAD San Diego staff. Preference will be given to employees of current Chamber members in good standing.

What obligation does a LEAD program graduate have after program completion?

Once participants complete their respective program, they are expected to serve the community by demonstrating their enhanced leadership skills and make positive contributions in the region. They are also expected to invest in LEAD by becoming an active member of our Alumni Association.

What is The Visionary Awards?

The Visionary Awards is LEAD San Diego’s annual opportunity to celebrate the work of inspirational San Diego leaders who have dedicated time, talent and treasure to many civic and community initiatives in an effort to foster positive change in the San Diego and Northern Baja California region. The event also serves as a fundraiser for LEAD San Diego.